Compassion.
Renaissance students had the opportunity to work with teens with intellectual disabilities, seniors, and animal shelters throughout the school year.
Perseverance.
Tasha Schuh delivers a motivational speech to families about never giving up.
GOT CHARACTER?
RENAISSANCE ACADEMY
"HOME AT LAST!"
September 2015
GOT CHARACTER?
RENAISSANCE ACADEMY
SERVING OTHERS WITH EXCELLENCE AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL
SERVING OTHERS: Students in the Renaissance Academy woodworking classes build a variety of items for local organizations, including these Adirondack chairs and golf game for the Rocky Branch Luau.
GOT CHARACTER?
RENAISSANCE ACADEMY
COLLABORATION IN THE COMMUNITY
COLLABORATION: Renaissance students work together with school police liaison officer Chris Gottfredsen to learn more about what the local police do when a crime is committed.
GOT CHARACTER?
RENAISSANCE ACADEMY
ENGAGING PARENTS
ENGAGING PARENTS: Throughout the year numerous Parent Nights are held to connect students and parents with valuable information and opportunities.
GOT CHARACTER?
RENAISSANCE ACADEMY
UNDERSTANDING OTHER CULTURES
UNDERSTANDING OTHER CULTURES: After attending a concert featuring Cuban musician Nachito Herrera, Renaissance students sample some Mexican fare for a day-ling cultural experience.
RENAISSANCE ACADEMY
CHARACTER IN ACTION
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION FOR CHARACTER EDUCATION
2013 STATE PROMISING PRACTICES AWARD: “Social Justice Activities”
This charter academy for high school students who struggle in the traditional school setting uses social justice principles to teach character to students, and also to achieve their goal of building and sustaining a culture of peace and belonging. One of the activities they rely on is to use the circle process, a structured way of communicating that emphasizes speaking and listening from the heart; in the circle all participants are equal. Initially, staff, students and community members were trained in circle principles. Bi-weekly sessions at the school focus on character education within the context of sharing personal experiences and reflection. Their success in implementing restorative justice principles for enhancing character led them to create elective courses for students to further explore the concepts and applications. One course, Social Justice Theater, uses puppet skits to educate other youths about character traits such as honesty, compassion and cooperation. The success of this approach is demonstrated by the actions taken by a concerned group of students who felt they were unfairly targeted by the community for gathering at a local park. Students organized a public circle, inviting the larger community to share their perspectives. Participants were able to understand the
diverse issues involved with using the park and proposed several solutions, including a park clean-up effort.
2013 STATE PROMISING PRACTICES AWARD: “Social Justice Activities”
This charter academy for high school students who struggle in the traditional school setting uses social justice principles to teach character to students, and also to achieve their goal of building and sustaining a culture of peace and belonging. One of the activities they rely on is to use the circle process, a structured way of communicating that emphasizes speaking and listening from the heart; in the circle all participants are equal. Initially, staff, students and community members were trained in circle principles. Bi-weekly sessions at the school focus on character education within the context of sharing personal experiences and reflection. Their success in implementing restorative justice principles for enhancing character led them to create elective courses for students to further explore the concepts and applications. One course, Social Justice Theater, uses puppet skits to educate other youths about character traits such as honesty, compassion and cooperation. The success of this approach is demonstrated by the actions taken by a concerned group of students who felt they were unfairly targeted by the community for gathering at a local park. Students organized a public circle, inviting the larger community to share their perspectives. Participants were able to understand the
diverse issues involved with using the park and proposed several solutions, including a park clean-up effort.